Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Sofa by Milo Baughman
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Milo Baughman's tapered leg sofa, adorned with a fresh Herman Miller, Alexander Girard fabric and new foam, exudes timeless sophistication. The sleek, tapered legs provide a modern t...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Beijinho Sofa, DEDAR White Boucle, Handmade by Greenapple
By Greenapple, Dedar
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern BeijinhoSofa, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Beijinho sofa seamlessly combines the soft...
Brass
Harvey Probber Deep Tuft Modular Sofa in STOCK
Located in New York, NY
Harvey Probber deep tuft designed in 1972. MADE IN ITALY UPHOLSTERED in St Germain Fabric by Metaphores, Color: Fondant M2L is the exclusive licensee to produce and distribute Har...
Velvet
Italian Freeform Curved Sofa in Light Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, iron, brass, Italy, 1950s This eccentric sofa features an interesting composition. The seating area and the backrest are organically sha...
Brass, Iron
$16,968 / set
The GS195 Sofa by Gianni Songia, Italy, Set of 3
Located in PARIS, FR
Gianni Songia was an Italian furniture designer, best known for the GS195 sofa/daybed he designed for Sormani in 1963. It's a sculptural piece with a rosewood sliding frame and leath...
Leather, Wood
Móveis Bertomeu Sofa, Rosewood, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Móveis Bertomeu Rosewood Sofa Brazil, 1960s Matching Pair of Armchairs & Ottoman Available Offered by RAFA gallery
Upholstery, Rosewood
Svante Skogh, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Svante Skogh
Located in High Point, NC
A green floral-printed fabric and wood sofa, model "Chile" designed by Svante Skogh and produced by Klings, Sweden, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair condition. Minor scuffing on fe...
Fabric, Wood
De Sede DS-101 Three-seater Sofa 1970s
By De Sede
Located in VENLO, NL
This high-quality and comfortable three-seater sofa, designed for De Sede in the 1970s, features individually extendable seats for the ultimate lounging experience. The DS101 model i...
Leather, Wood
Robert Haussmann for De Sede 'DS-P' Sofas in Camel Brown Leather & Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Robert Haussmann for De Sede, 'DS-P' three and four seat sofa, leather, oak, Switzerland, 1960s The DS-P sofa designed by Robert Haussmann for De Sede, is a striking example of func...
Leather, Oak
20th Century , Brown Atlantis Three seats Sofa, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
Atlantis sofa from the 1960s, produced in Czech Republic - at the moment they are unique. Due to their dimensions, they perfectly blend in even in small...
Fabric
R Huber Mid Century Teak Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
R Huber Mid Century Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 79 wide x 36 deep x 31 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 24 inches Fair Vintage Condi...
Upholstery, Teak
Warren Platner Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Zebra Wood & Leather, 1960s
Located in Houston, TX
Warren Platner (June 18, 1919 – April 17, 2006) was an American architect and interior designer. Platner produced a furniture collection that has proved to be a continuing icon of 19...
Leather, Zebra Wood
Mid-Century Modern Teak Sofa with Chenille Upholstery, 1960s Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø, Ib Kofod-Larsen, Folke Ohlsson, Svend Åge Madsen, Grete Jalk
Located in Burbank, CA
1960's Midcentury Danish Modern couch for sale. It's a really long sofa, and was reupholstered in 2015. It has a solid teak frame in excellent condition. It was reupholstered using R...
Chenille, Teak
1950s Italian Two-Seater Sofa by Gigi Radice for Minotti in Rubelli Fabric
By Gigi Radice, Minotti
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A beautifully proportioned 1950s Italian two-seater sofa designed by Gigi Radice and produced by Minotti, this piece captures the soft elegance and sculptural charm of Italian mid-ce...
Brass
Authentic Cassina LC2 Black Leather Two-Seat Sofa by Le Corbusier 1994
By Le Corbusier, Cassina
Located in Detroit, MI
This authentic LC2 Petit Modele two-seat black leather sofa originally designed by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret in 1928 was produced by Cassina in 1994. The ...
Steel, Chrome
Sofa in Rosewood & Mohair by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, Brazilian Modern, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional example of Brazilian Modern design from the 1960s, this monumental sofa by Liceu de Artes e Ofícios embodies the movement's pursuit of architectural simplicity, master...
Mohair, Rosewood
Six Piece Mid Century Boxy Modern Modular or Sectional L Shaped Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A classic boxy modular sofa circa 1970's. A very simple timeless design. Single chairs measures W 28 D 35, corner piece measures W 35 D 35, and the ottoman measures W 29 D 29. Fabric...
Fabric
Vladimir Kagan for Directional Serpentine Cloud Sofa in Black Cashmere, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage midcentury modern serpentine "Cloud" sofa designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional in the 1970s. Recently upholstered in black cashmere (2023). Kagan was a master of organi...
Cashmere
Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Customised in Brown Leather
Located in PARIS, FR
When French designer Michel Ducaroy presented the Togo to Ligne Roset in 1973, he described it as "a tube of toothpaste folded back on itself." A graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts...
Leather, Foam
$25,165 / item
Patricia Urquiola Ardys Sofa for Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ardys Sofa for Cassina. AN AESTHETIC THAT ENVELOPS THE GAZE Patricia Urquiola designs Ardys, a low-slung sofa that expresses softness as a visual quality as much as a tactile one. ...
Upholstery
Mario Bellini B&B 'Camaleonda' Lounge Chair in leather
Located in Argelato, BO
Mario Bellini B&B Italia 'Camaleonda' Lounge chair in original cognac leather, 1973 The Camaleonda sofa, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini in 197...
Metal
Vintage Italian Modern Walnut Divan Sofa Bed Attributed to Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural sofa/divan bed/sofa bed attributed to Paolo Buffa (Italy, ca. late 1940s/early 1950s). Composed of a straight rail back connecting elegantly curved arms above x-form slats...
Leather, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
$2,804Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Settee-Sofa in Cognac Tanned Leather, Model 55 by Kurt Østervig
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kurt Ostervig designed tanned leather two-seated sofa or Settee with tapered oak legs. It features original upholstery and intricate leather upholstery details around the top part of...
Leather, Oak
Milo Baughman Ivory Cream Semi-Circular Sectional Sofa for Thayer Coggin
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in Saint Louis, MO
There can hardly be a more emblematic Mid-Century Modern sofa than the Milo Baughman semi-circular sectional sofa circa 1970s made by Thayer Coggin. The most well known and admired o...
Upholstery
$14,000 / item
James de Wulf Black Walnut Daybed
Located in Paia, HI
For lovers of symmetry and squish. Built solid of black walnut and the finest upholstery, the James de Wulf daybed will center the room in cozy comfort and style. A pair can be arranged in an L-formation for a large sofa set. Singly sized for twin extra large comfort. Each daybed includes a frame, two back cushions, side bolster, and ball cushion...
Maple
$18,634Sale Price|20% Off
Reupholstered 932 3-seater sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Italy - 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Reupholstered 932 3-seater sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Designed 1964, price on request.
Leather
Vintage Italian Sofa by Giancarlo Pozzo, Walnut & Ivory Bouclé, 1951
Located in New York, NY
One-of-a-Kind Commissioned Four-Seat Vintage Sofa by Giancarlo Pozzo — Italy, 1951. This exceptional, one-of-a-kind four-seat sofa was designed in 1951 by architect Giancarlo Pozzo f...
Steel
Gajanan Upadhyay, Sofa, Rattan, Teak, Velvet, India, 1964
Located in High Point, NC
A sofa designed by Gajanan Upadhyay and produced by the Ford Foundation, New Dehli, India, c. 1964. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.65"H x 72.0"W ...
Velvet, Rattan, Teak
Tobia Scarpa "Coronado" Black Leather Sofa for B&B, Italy 1970 ca.
Located in Sacile, PN
Coronado sofa designed by Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia. The project is dated 1966. Black leather, great condition.
Iron
Vintage English Leather Chesterfield Sofa
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Envision transforming your living space with this remarkable vintage leather Chesterfield sofa, a true masterpiece of mid-20th century British craftsmanship. This sofa is more than j...
Brass
6-Piece Italian Modular Lounge Corner Sectional Sofa 1970s
Located in London, GB
Stunning versatile 6-piece modular sectional 1970s sofa from Italy in a generous L-shaped corner layout perfect for relaxed lounging. The current upholstery is a soothing green / t...
Fabric, Wood
Midcentury Sofa or Daybed designed by Miroslav Navratil, 1960s.
By Interiér Praha, Miroslav Navratil
Located in Praha, CZ
- very iconic sofa - adjustable - confortable - rare colored
Fabric, Wood
Reupholstered Yugoslavian Mid-century Modern Teak Daybed
Located in Medina, OH
Yugoslavian Mid-century modern teak daybed refinished and reupholstered in a Crypton gray tweed from Greenhouse Fabrics. This piece is in perfect condition and is ready to be an addi...
Fabric, Wood
$21,064Sale Price|25% Off
Bogo Sofa by Carlo Bartoli suede & Leather, Mid-Century Modern
By Carlo Bartoli, Rossi di Albizzate
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Modular 'Bogo' Sofa by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate Designed by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate in the 1970s, the Bog...
Leather, Suede
$12,638 / set
Mid-Century Modern Modular Seating Set, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Modular Seating Set, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Fabric, Wood
Fine Vintage Sofa With Custom Upholstery
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Light and very well made Two cushion sofa with gentle sloping arm and tapered wood legs. Solid feeling and comfortable with plush feather wrap seat cushion. The refined raised white-...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Midcentury 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests by Alfred Christensen
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Alfred Christensen designed sofa in his characteristic style of open armrests carved from solid beech wood and made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk in the 1940s. Beautiful ref...
Wool, Beech
Le Corbusier 5 Canapé Sofa in Black or Petrol for Cassina, Italy - New
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material and size. Comfortable, contemporary lines distinguish this sofa designed by Le Corbusier for his Paris apartment, where the original mode...
Metal
Pair of Vintage De Sede DS-600 Snake Sofas in Leather
By De Sede
Located in London, GB
An exceptionally stylish, rare and highly sought after pair of vintage De Sede DS-600 snake sofas in leather. They were made in Switzerland by De-Sede in t...
Leather
Howard Furniture, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Howard Furniture Manufacturing
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and white fabric sofa produced by Howard Furniture, Starkville, Mississippi, USA, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Overall Dime...
Fabric, Oak
$7,900Sale Price|50% Off
Curvaceous L Shaped Sofa in Clarence House Dragon Empress (Wine)
Located in Hanover, MA
BG SUMMER SALE Curvaceous L shaped mid-century modern style sofa custom made and upholstered in Clarence House Dragon Empress (Wine). Brand new, never used. Includes 7 throw pillows...
Upholstery, Walnut
Eccentric Sofa with Geometric Carvings in Solid Oak and Light Beige Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, solid oak, fabric, Europe, 1960s This elegant yet eccentric sofa, crafted in Europe during the 1960s, embodies both flair and comfort. Its distinctive design showcases a uniqu...
Fabric, Oak
De Sede DS-600 ‘Snake’ Sectional Sofa in Patinated Cream Leather by Ueli Berger
By De Sede, Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger
Located in Almelo, NL
De Sede DS-600 ‘Snake’ Sofa in Patinated Cream Leather, 13 Elements, Switzerland, 1972 Description: A true icon of 20th-century design, the De Sede DS-600 sectional sofa, also known...
Metal
Mid-Century Italian Two-Seater Sofa, Restored in Pierre Frey Velvet
Located in New York, NY
A refined example of mid-century Italian sofa design, this 1950s two-seater captures the sculptural elegance and innovation that defined postwar Italian modernism. Its enveloping bac...
Brass
Cerdá, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Velvet, Spain, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan and green velvet sofa produced by Cerdá, Spain, c. 1950s. Cushions reupholstered in brand new velvet. Overall Dimensions (inches): 32.75"H x 75.0"W x 29.5"D Seat ...
Velvet, Bamboo, Rattan
Sofa or Couch with wickerwork backrest by Hartmut Lohmeyer, German Design, 1950s
Located in München, BY
Maße: ca. 180 × 74 × 74 × 43 cm (Breite × Tiefe × Höhe × Sitzhöhe) Außergewöhnlich formschönes und ausgesprochen seltenes Sofa aus der 400er-Reihe, entworfen von Hartmut Lohmeyer fü...
Upholstery, Wicker, Teak, Cane
Danish 1950's Sofa by Kurt Olsen Teak Accents
By Kurt Olsen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Curved sofa by Kurt Olsen from the 1950's. Epitome of Danish 1950's style. Made by Slagelse Møbelværk around late 1950's5800. Solid and sturdy but needs to get reupholstered. Remova...
Wool, Teak
Maralunga 3-Seat Sofa by Vico Magistretti in Beige Linen, Cassina 1970s Italian
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern "Maralunga" 3-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This example features beige linen. Head / backrests are adjustable for a cheeky look that never ...
Linen
Vintage Montana Leather Sofa 3-Seater by Ekornes, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
Norway looked at the sofa and decided it wasn't doing enough. The result was the Montana: a solid teak frame, clean Scandinavian lines, and cushions so well engineered that "Stressle...
Leather, Teak
1970s Danish Brown Leather 3-Seater Sofa
Located in Praha, CZ
- good/very good condition with minor signs of use - sturdy and stable.
Leather
$160,000 / set
Rare Paul Evans Biscuit Tufted Cityscape Sofas, Signed
By Paul Evans
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional pair of Paul Evans biscuit tufted Cityscape sofas, signed and in near mint condition. Finding one is hard, but a pair in this pristine state is near impossible. These ...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Blue 3-Seat Sofa on Wood Base
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a vintage Mid-Century Modern sofa on a wooden base with three seat cushions. The cushioning is in good condition, but needs to be reupholstered. The sofa is structurally s...
Fabric, Wood
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" Two-seater Sofa for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1973
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Vico Magistretti "Maralunga" two-seater sofa for Cassina, green Velvet, 1973 The "Maralunga" three-seater sofa by Vico Magistretti is a renowned design for Cassina, created in 1973 ...
Velvet
Raphael Raffel Designed Cognac Leather Croissant Sofa in Suede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a 1970's, made-to-order, suede upholstered, Croissant Sofa for Honore Paris. Design is attributed to the famous Raphael Raffel (1912-2000). Raffel, who trained at the École d...
Suede
Large 7 Piece Sofa "Cosmos" DS 28 by Ulbald Klug & De Sede, Brown Leather, 1970s
By De Sede, Ubald Klug
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Ubald Klug DS-28 Cosmos Sectional Sofa, Switzerland, 1970s This stunning 7-piece sectional sofa by Ubald Klug, produced by De Sede in the 1970s, showcases a bold, organic design i...
Leather, Wood
1970s Rare Mid Century Two-Seat Sofa, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Velvet fabric in good original condition - cleaned - high of seat 40 cm
Fabric
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful Tan Leather loveseat Sofa wood Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful light Tan leather 2 seat loveseat sofa with light wood legs. Style of Børge Mogensen. The color is light tan leather is soft and shows little sign...
Leather, Birch
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Platform Sofa, 1960s Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Raleigh, NC
This exceptional Adrian Pearsall platform sofa showcases the renowned mid-century modern designer's signature floating aesthetic with integrated walnut end tables elegantly positione...
Upholstery, Walnut
Lawson-Fenning Douglas Sofa, Brown Mohair & Solid Walnut, Modern Couch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Douglas sofa is a low-slung sofa with a down-wrapped seat cushion and solid American walnut or white oak legs. The Lawson-Fenning Collection is designed and handmade in Los Ang...
Mohair, Walnut
three-seater sofa from the Sapporo line, designed in the 1970s by Mario Marenco
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
This three-seater sofa from the Sapporo line, designed in the 1970s by Mario Marenco for Mobil Girgi , is a beautiful example of Italian design from that period. The design combines...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut